CNet Launches Fee-based Gaming Content
Posted on June 21, 2002
CNet Networks, a provider of technology news and information, has added fee-based gaming content with the launch of GameSpot Complete, a premium add-on to its free GameSpot website. CNet has been looking for additional revenue sources after being hard hit by the poor advertising conditions. CNet's stock recently set new 52-week lows in the $2 per share range.
GameSpot Complete complements CNET Networks' free GameSpot website, an online gaming site that offers editorial news, services and features and attracts nearly four million unique monthly visitors. Starting this month, for $4.95 per month or $19.95 per year -- GameSpot Complete members have full access to archived news, features, product reviews, product demos and screenshot galleries, as well as the company's library of hosted video game downloads and streaming video files.
One way CNet hopes to drive sales of the new premium portion of GameSpot is by charging for access to the GameSpot archives. CNet said that GameSpot users will continue to have access to the site's free content for seven days after the content is posted. In addition, certain content such as pricing information, reader reviews, and hints and tips will be available for all games at no charge. In a continuing cycle, free content will transition to GameSpot Complete as it is replaced with fresh content.
"Gamers are passionate about gaming, and they demand up-to-the-minute information and a wide array of multimedia content that only the Internet can offer," said Vince Broady, senior vice president of consumer content at CNET Networks and co-founder of GameSpot. "Meeting this demand has enabled us to establish an enormous base of regular, loyal users of GameSpot since our launch six years ago. We are excited about our initial momentum in building a solid paying membership base for GameSpot Complete by offering an incredible depth and breadth of value-added content and services, while still providing all GameSpot users free access to the latest additions to our award-winning coverage."
"We believe this elegant balance of services and access levels will enable us to continue to attract the large gaming audience we enjoy today, while allowing CNET Networks to leverage our biggest product assets to gradually drive more revenue," said Shelby Bonnie, chairman and CEO of CNET Networks. "This is our most significant premium service launch yet, and is representative of the kinds of fee-based, user-focused services we could continue to introduce this year and beyond."
CNET Networks provides content via the Web, wireless devices, broadband, radio and print. CNet's other websites include CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, mySimon, News.com, Download.com, GameSpot, Builder.com, Shopper.com, Computer Shopper magazine, CNET Radio, and CNET Channel.